Hey there! I’m Nathalie Ayesha Tappin, a creative multi-tasker. I’m an artist, illustrator, graphic designer, and teacher. I was born in Barbados and grew up in Rotterdam, Netherlands, where my mom had an art gallery. I got hooked on the exciting world of art from a young age, surrounded by all kinds of amazing artists.

After high school, I studied Creative Communication in Rotterdam. Then I had a taste of the Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam during an orientation year, and later I took a Graphic Design course at MK24, also in Amsterdam.

After finishing my studies, I dove into the advertising industry and worked on various creative projects. But deep down, I always dreamed of becoming a full-time artist. Lately, I’ve been working hard to turn that dream into reality by developing my own unique style and artistic language.

My work involves using a wide range of materials like acrylics, watercolors, markers, pencils, and colored pencils. And guess what? I even use things like old magazines and fabrics, like worn-out denim jeans. Inspiration can come from anywhere, even a random piece of fabric or a scrap of paper in the trash. Colors play a huge role in my creative process. During the day, I’m constantly playing around with color combinations in my head. Right now, I’m super excited about experimenting with a vibrant color palette, including pastel shades.

Those faces you see in my art? I’ve been drawing them since I was a kid. They’re like symbols that naturally come to me, and I could draw them all day long with a big smile on my face. Sometimes, I like to add text alongside these characters. The text is like a little challenge for the viewer, with short, powerful, or sometimes mysterious statements that relate to my own life or emotions. The faces and phrases I create truly reflect how I feel deep inside. It’s pretty cool how sometimes even I surprise myself with what I draw. It’s like my drawings act as a kind of inkblot test, revealing hidden thoughts from my subconscious mind.

If I had to describe my work, I’d say it’s colorful, playful, and authentic. I work intuitively and see myself as an observer of the artistic process. It might look a bit chaotic, but trust me, I’m creatively organizing everything. I love using optimistic colors that reflect my positive energy and cheerful side. However, my illustrations also reveal a deeper layer of myself. I enjoy creating this contrast in my work, inviting viewers to interpret and experience it in their own unique way. So go ahead, let your imagination run wild!